Malaysian couple deported from Britain

Friday November 12, 2010
Malaysian couple deported from Britain
By K. ASHRAF KAMMED
ashkam@thestar.com

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian couple was deported from Britain after immigration authorities discovered that they were trying to enter the country illegally.

The couple, together with their parents and baby, had arrived in Cork, Ireland, on Nov 2 and had told Irish authorities that they would stay in the country and return home to Malaysia on Nov 11.

However, all of them boarded a ferry bound for Swansea, Wales, on Nov 5 and told the UK Border Agency they had decided to travel to Britain after seeing a tourism leaflet in their hotel.

A large amount of British currency was found with them and they told the authorities they had mistakenly bought the currency in Malaysia as they believed it could be used in Ireland.

As their story was not credible, the family was sent back to Ireland before being deported to Malay­sia.

In 2009, the 29-year-old woman and 33-year-old man had been removed from Britain for staying illegally after their visas expired.

In the same year, they were refused entry and removed once again when trying to re-enter the country at Edinburgh Airport.

UK Border Agency Assistant Director for Wales Bob Lyne said immigration offenders tend to use a variety of routes, including ferry ports, to enter the country.

Lyne stressed that the smaller ports were not a back door into the country and his officers would prevent any attempts by illegal immigrants to sneak in.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Malaysia Simon Feather­stone said that only genuine Malay­sian visitors to Britain would be welcomed.

For the offence, the couple may be banned from entering Britain for up to 10 years.